Tom Collins is a classic example of a great cocktail that only requires a few simple ingredientsāgin, simple (or sugar) syrup, club soda, and lemon juice.
This fantastic drink is a true thirst quencher, perfect for hot summer days. However, this classic drink will be much more enjoyable when you use the best gin for Tom Collins.
The Tom Collins works so well as a cocktail because it combines gin lemon juice, and soda water, creating a refreshing and balanced flavor that people absolutely love; hence the name, it’s the perfect match for any summer gathering. Whether you want to recreate the original Tom Collins or a new take on this refreshing drink, hereās our recommended best barr hill gin for Tom Collins variations for an ultimate drinking experience.
Top 15 Best Gin For Tom Collins (Tried & Tasted)
15. Barr Hill Tom Cat
Average Price: roughly $45/750ml
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: Barr Hill Tom Cat is a unique blend of gin as itās aged in new American oak barrels, so it has the flavors of the whiskey while maintaining the taste of gin.
The fresh juniper opens with classic aromas and finishes with raw honey. Barr Hill is the right gin if you want your Tom Collins with an Old Tom style.
14. Gray Whale Gin
Average Price: roughly $36/750ml
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: This gin is made with six California-grown ingredients, such as juniper, mint, lime, and douglas fir, foraged along the route of the Gray Whale.
The aroma of fresh citrus and juniper berries lingers, along with kombu sea kelp and cool mint flavors, followed by a fine almond finish.
Try it in a collins glass or try to sip it neat.
13. MahĆ³n Gin Floral Gin
Average Price: roughly $27/750ml
Alcohol Content: 41% ABV
Why We Like It: Mahon Floral is a smooth, creamy, sweet, and subtle gin with a lot of notes that can go well with certain types of citrus.
Itās best served on a Tom Collins, but it tastes great with other cocktails, too, like Salty Dog or Gimlet [1].
Its rich floral notes complement well with lemon zest and club soda, which can be a good base for making cocktails.
12. Ransom Old Tom
Average Price: roughly $35/750ml
Alcohol Content: 44% ABV
Why We Like It: One of the most accurate Tom Collins gins on this list is Ransom Old Tom. This will capture not just gin fanatics but whiskey [2] drinkers as well for its caramel notes.
Ransom Old Tom can be considered the best for Tom Collins for its dark color and woodsy flavor.
However, it didnāt rank that high because of its light caramel flavor, which we find a bit off in Tom Collins. But this depends on your style, so you better try this out.
11. Bluecoat Elderflower Gin
Average Price: roughly $34/750ml
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: This new addition to the Bluecoat family is a subtle yet powerful blend of elderflower that adds a touch of floral and light to the gin’s already robust taste.
It’s perfect with a variety of lemon-forward drinks, like orange or lemon juice. It’s one of the tasty flavored gins [3] weāve tried.
When mixed with an ounce of simple syrup and other spices, it makes a great Tom Collins.
10. The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
Average Price: roughly $41/750ml
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: This gin has rich floral notes and is herbaceous and sweeter than modern gins. Some herbs and flowers used include apple mint, white clover, meadowsweet, and wood sage.
This brand takes great pride in creating high-quality gin using only the finest ingredients.
Behind this excellent drink are foragers who carefully pick all 22 kinds of botanicals to create a truly unique and balanced gin.
9. Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin
Average Price: roughly $29.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: This gin infused with blood orange adds a sweet and fruity flavor to any simple drink, particularly great for a Tom Collins cocktail.
We like the combination of different botanical extracts, such as fennel seeds, orris root, sweet orange, and lemon, giving a fresh and crisp flavor.
Besides, other components, like coriander seeds and juniper berries, contribute to its intense and flavorful finish.
8. St. George Terroir
Average Price: roughly $29/750ml
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: St. George Terroir Gin is an expression of a rich, earthy, and forest-driven character.
Its nose is filled with aromas of California bay laurel, fir, and coastal sage. It can be paired with other evocative botanical varieties, like angelica root and bitter pine nuts.
If youāve tried the Bols Genever, this is on the intense side. But itās not overwhelming.
7. Hayman’s Old Tom Gin
Average Price: roughly $26/750ml
Alcohol Content: 41.4% ABV
Why We Like It: Haymanās Old Tom Gin is a classic gin made from the family’s original recipe.
If you want a more complex drink than London dry gin, opt for Haymanās Old Tom.
āThe gin and tonic has saved more Englishman’s lives and minds than all the doctors in the Empire.ā
ā Winston Churchill, British Statesman, Soldier, and Former Prime Minister of the UK
Haymanās gin is delicate and versatile. Itās a bit sweet compared to the London dry varieties, but it still has a light juniper flavor.
Although complex, itās not overpowering, perfect for making a classic Tom Collins.
6. Plymouth Gin
Average Price: roughly $34.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 41.2% ABV
Why We Like It: If you donāt want Old Tom style with a slightly sweet taste, we suggest Plymouth original gin for a Tom Collins.
It has rich juniper notes with a pleasant sweetness. Besides, the notes of lemon peel, angelica seeds, green cardamom, and orris root give this fantastic gin a tasty profile.
So when mixed with other ingredients, it complements well, making for a delicious and balanced classic Tom Collins.
5. Neversink Spirits Gin
Average Price: roughly $41/750ml
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: Neversink gin, made using a base apple spirit and juniper, is distilled through a combination of other botanical elements.
It works well with Tom Collins due to its apple spirit base, which gives it a more fruit-forward flavor than other gins.
We like the aromatics perceiving the spirit’s sweeter nature, which softens the effect of Tom Collins’ simple syrup component.
The sugar content is low, so no worries, even if you gulped on a tall glass filled with Tom Collins.
4. Sipsmith Lemon Gin
Average Price: roughly $29.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This London dry gin boosts lemon flavor, so if you want an extra citrusy Tom Collins, Sipsmith wonāt disappoint.
This is perfect for beginners as it’s light and not complex.
This special blend of gin takes the Sipsmith’s London dry recipe and adds a bit of lemon and myrtle for a refreshing and aromatic drink.
This is one of the most refreshing gin brands here on this list, and you can sip it on its own.
3. Tanqueray No. 10
Average Price: roughly $28/750ml
Alcohol Content: 47.3% ABV
Why We Like It: Tanqueray No. 10 boosts the perfect balance of juniper-forward taste and citrus tones, making it a nice addition to any gin-based cocktail like Tom Collins.
It tastes perfect with fresh lemon juice, club soda (or any soda water), simple syrup, and maraschino cherry, which are the main components of a Tom Collins.
If you want a traditional gin for your next Tom Collins at a budget-friendly price, Tanqueray is one of the best options.
2. Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin
Average Price: roughly $25/750ml
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: One of our favorite gins for a Tom Collins is Bombay Sapphire, made with traditional juniper berries, almonds, angelica root, orris root, coriander seeds, cassia bark, and lemon peel.
As expected, this London dry gin makes a smooth yet intense Tom Collins. Aside from adding it to classic cocktails, it’s enjoyable when served in a glass filled with ice on its own.
1. Beefeater Gin
Average Price: roughly $20/750ml
Alcohol Content: 44% ABV
Why We Like It: Our top pick for a Tom Collins is the Beefeater London dry gin. It offers everything youād possibly want in a great drink.
The juniper-forward taste and rich citrus notes make for a perfect Tom Collins or classic cocktail.
What we like the most in this popular drink is it provides both the strength of gin and lingering flavors of citrus.
*Average prices are based on Drizly online. Prices may vary in local liquor shops.
FAQs Related to Best Gin For Tom Collins
Can you use any gin for Tom Collins?
Yes, you can use any gin to make a Tom Collins cocktail at home. But for a great cocktail drink, we suggest using London dry gins.
Whatās the best gin type to use for Tom Collins?
The best gin type for a prefect Tom Collins is a London Dry Gin [4], like the Beefeater London Dry Gin. It has everything youād ask for in a Tom Collins cocktail gin.
What Is the Best Gin to Use for Making a Tom Collins Cocktail?
The best gin for a Tom Collins cocktail is typically a London dry gin, known for its crisp and juniper-forward flavor profile that complements the citrus and sweetness in the drink. Popular choices include Tanqueray, Beefeater, and Bombay Sapphire.
Does the Choice of Gin Impact the Taste of a Tom Collins Cocktail?
Yes, the choice of gin can significantly influence the taste of a Tom Collins cocktail. Opting for a high-quality gin with balanced botanicals and juniper notes enhances the overall flavor profile and enjoyment of the drink.
Are There Specific Gin Brands Recommended for Tom Collins Cocktails?
Several gin brands are well-suited for crafting Tom Collins cocktails. Tanqueray, Beefeater, Bombay Sapphire, and Hendrick’s are among the popular choices favored by bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts for their excellent flavor profiles.
Does the Quality of Gin Matter When Making Tom Collins Cocktails?
Yes, using a high-quality gin is crucial for achieving a delicious Tom Collins cocktail. A premium gin contributes to a smoother and more refined taste, elevating the overall drinking experience.
Can I Experiment with Different Gin Varieties in My Tom Collins Cocktail?
Absolutely! Experimenting with different gin varieties allows you to customize your John Collins cocktail to suit your taste preferences. Consider trying variations with floral or citrus-forward gins for unique flavor profiles.
Should I Garnish My Tom Collins Cocktail with any Specific Ingredients?
Traditionally, Tom Collins cocktails are garnished with a lemon wedge or a lemon twist. This citrus garnish complements the gin and adds a refreshing aroma to the drink.
Can I Use Vodka To Make A Cocktail?
The quick answer is yes. You could also make Vodka Collins using vodka. Challenge some gin punches, get a cocktail shaker and stir vodka with lemon juice and simple syrup.
Conclusion of Best Gin for Tom Collins
When it comes to Tom Collins, we hail Beefeater Gin as the best gin for perfect refreshment.In conclusion, the best gin for a Tom Collins is one that balances botanical complexity with a clean, crisp finish, enhancing the cocktail’s refreshing nature. A skilled bartender in York might select a premium gin, known for its perfect blend of juniper and citrus notes, and mix it with a splash of sweetener, fresh lemon juice, and fizzy soda in a shaker.
This creates a harmonious blend of flavors that rivals even the finest martinis and wine spritzers. The subtle hint of spice and sweetness elevates the drink, making it an exemplary choice for those who appreciate a sophisticated and invigorating cocktail.
It has all the balance of citrus and juniper plus the kick of alcohol, like it’s made for Tom Collins. But we don’t just stop with one drink, right? The bartender will fill the shaker with lemons, shake vigorously to mix the ingredients, and then serve the refreshing cocktail to the eager patrons. So, you better try other options of Best Gin for Tom Collinsāfrom the Barr Hill Tom Cat to the Bombay London Dry Gin for various flavors, enough to satisfy your palate. For more information related to other brands visit THE LIQUOR STORE.
References:
- Gin and Herb Cocktail Recipe
- Whiskey
- Gin Liquor
- Why Is London Dry Gin Called That, and How Is It Made?
